Zendaya’s recent appearance in a sculptural black gown from Ashi Studio’s Fall 2026 runway collection has once again brought attention to the couturier’s unique and dramatic designs. The dress, with its liquid black silk and straps that extended like antennae up past her ears, is a prime example of Ashi Studio’s ability to create truly show-stopping pieces. This is not the first time Zendaya has worn something from the designer, and she is in good company – Ashi Studio’s designs have been quietly taking over the red carpet, with a range of celebrities opting for the label’s exaggerated depictions of beauty.
Ashi Studio was founded by Mohammed Ashi in 2007, after he worked for notable fashion houses such as Givenchy and Elie Saab. Ashi’s experience in the industry has clearly influenced his design aesthetic, which often incorporates corsetry, exaggerations of the female form, and gravity-defying appendages. The brand’s materials and embellishments are also noteworthy, with previous collections featuring 3D-printed metal and cracked plaster-like effects. Ashi’s most recent couture collection, inspired by history’s most lavish and imaginative soirées, is a sign to the designer’s ability to blend fantasy and elegance.
The collection includes a range of show-stopping pieces, from a slinky gown with subtly padded hips and shoulders, rendered to resemble reptile skin, to a moiré minidress with fringed edges and elaborate carafes folded into the skirt. Each look is a masterclass in craftsmanship and attention to detail, with Ashi’s use of innovative materials and techniques setting him apart from other designers. Teyana Taylor, a long-time champion of the brand, has worn several looks from the collection, including a sculpted cream corset decorated with flourishes of human hair by the artist Guilaine Tortereau, and a black silk look featuring a sculpted bodice and draped skirt.
Ashi Studio’s designs have also resonated with other celebrities, including Margot Robbie, who wore a gown with a dramatic, textured corset and tattered silk skirt to the Sydney premiere of Wuthering Heights. The brand has also dressed Hailey Bieber, Jenna Ortega, Kylie Jenner, FKA Twigs, Emily Blunt, and Anok Yai, among others, in the past year alone. Each look has been as beautifully experimental as the last, showcasing Ashi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion and creating truly unique pieces. In an industry where many designers are focused on creating more commercial, ready-to-wear lines, Ashi Studio’s dedication to couture is a breath of fresh air.
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While some designers, such as Mathieu Blazy of Chanel, have opted for a more grounded approach to couture, Ashi has wholeheartedly adopted the field’s fantastical side. This approach has resonated with the peacocking nature of today’s red carpets, where celebrities are often rewarded for taking risks and making bold fashion statements. Brands like Matieres Fecales, Dilara Findikoglu, and Robert Wun, which also prioritize experimentation and innovation, are finding success in this space. Ashi Studio’s ability to balance playfulness and fantasy with impeccable construction and material innovation is a key factor in its success, and a sign to the power of fashion to inspire and delight.
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Ashi Studio and other like-minded designers continue to push the boundaries of couture. With the rise of social media, the red carpet has become an increasingly important platform for designers to showcase their work and connect with a wider audience. Ashi Studio’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and fantasy is a welcome respite from the more commercial aspects of the fashion industry, and a reminder of the power of fashion to inspire and delight. The brand’s ability to create truly show-stopping pieces, combined with its dedication to experimentation and innovation, makes it a standout in the world of couture.
The fact that Ashi Studio has been able to achieve this level of success without compromising its artistic vision is a sign to the power of fashion to transcend commercial considerations. In an industry where many designers are forced to balance their creative vision with the demands of the market, Ashi Studio’s commitment to its unique aesthetic is a breath of fresh air. The brand’s ability to create pieces that are both beautiful and thought-provoking is a key factor in its success, and a reminder that fashion can be both a form of self-expression and a means of pushing the boundaries of art and culture.
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